Parks and playgrouds are the soul of the city. It’s time we invest in Central Village Park.
Central Village Block Club & Park
The Mission:
Central Village Neighborhood Block Club is to ensure the continuance of a safe and secure community where BIPOC families build on the legacy of their forefathers using homeownership as a cornerstone to generational wealth and economic parity for future generations.
The Central Village neighborhood, created during the mid-seventies, was a body of land set aside for African American descendants of Rondo who were displaced due to the construction of freeway 94. The designated area encompasses, Dale to Western Streets and University to St. Anthony Avenues. Now fifty years later the neighborhood and park need major reinvestment and revitalization.
In 2023, the neighborhood and supporting community partners created the Central Village Neighborhood Block Club to create a redevelopment plan for the park and the neighborhood housing stock.
Central Village Park has served as a neighborhood gathering space since the 1970s. Neighbors have fond memories of pick-up games, barbeques and gatherings, making friends, and meeting neighbors.
Over the years, park needs have changed. New neighbors have joined the Central Village Park community. Infrastructure is aging. The park has a strong foundation. And now is the time to imagine what the future of the park holds.
Thanks to neighborhood champions, whose love of the park constantly shines, we are embarking on a new phase for Central Village, the block club. We hope you’ll join us in these efforts.
Through small site improvements, proper maintenance, active and engaging programming, and community stewardship, the community’s vision for a safe, welcoming, and active space will be realized. Moreover, the community envisions additional ways to celebrate and promote the neighborhood’s multiculturalism.
Rondo Double Dutch Competition
This video was recorded at one of Central Village Park’s events; Rondo’s annual Double Dutch Competition hosted by MIzz Mercedez! The event has rollerskating, music, and food from local vendors!
Program Goals: What the Community is saying:
• Foster community connections
• Activate the space
• Hold and share space for neighbor vision
• Resident-driven conversations of park’s future
• Adopt a plan for the future of the park
• Celebrate the community’s rich diversity
• Cause safety and livability site improvements to occur
• Maintain and steward the park space
Through community conversations, workshops, and events, several common themes have surfaced. The community is seeking the following for the future of Central Village Park:
1. Update park amenities
2. Address safety concerns
3. Celebrate Central Village Park
4. Foster a sense of neighborliness
5. Provide programming
6. Maintain the park
7. Access to nature
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or ideas.
Email
Sgarth62@gmail.com
Chris.Vazquez@tpl.org
Phone
(763) 259-8457